Reading: Reading for Detail
B1 Lesson 1: Understanding Main Ideas and Supporting Details in Straightforward Factual Texts
The Structure of a Good Paragraph
At the B1 level, reading for detail means understanding how a paragraph is built. A good paragraph is like a table: it has one main tabletop and several legs to hold it up.
Today, we will learn to identify the Main Idea1 (the tabletop) and the Supporting Details2 (the legs) in a Factual Text3.
Part 1: Main Idea vs. Supporting Details
| Component | Its Job | How to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Main Idea | The most important, central point of the paragraph. | Often the first sentence. It makes a general statement that the rest of the paragraph will explain. |
| Supporting Details | Facts, examples, and reasons that prove or explain the Main Idea. | These sentences answer "Why?" or "How?" about the main idea. They give specific information. |
Practice with a Factual Text
Let's analyze this paragraph about the Cambodian flag.
The flag of Cambodia is highly symbolic and unique among national flags. Its central feature is a depiction of the Angkor Wat temple, which represents the nation's rich history and Theravada Buddhism. This makes it one of the only national flags in the world to feature a building. Furthermore, the flag has three horizontal stripes. The large red stripe in the center symbolizes the bravery of the nation, while the two blue stripes represent liberty and the King.
Let's analyze the structure:
- Main Idea: The first sentence, "The flag of Cambodia is highly symbolic and unique...", is the main idea. It makes a big claim.
- Supporting Detail 1 (proves it's unique): The flag features a building (Angkor Wat).
- Supporting Detail 2 (proves it's symbolic): The red stripe symbolizes bravery.
- Supporting Detail 3 (proves it's symbolic): The blue stripes represent liberty and the King.
Your Turn to Analyze!
Practice Quiz
Read this factual paragraph about the Mekong River, then answer the questions.
"The Mekong River is essential to the lives of millions of Cambodians. Firstly, it provides a rich source of fish, which is a primary part of the local diet and economy. The river also deposits fertile silt along its banks, making the land excellent for agriculture, especially for growing rice. Finally, it serves as a critical transportation route, connecting towns and villages and allowing for the movement of goods."
1. Which sentence best states the MAIN IDEA of the paragraph?
- A. The river is a critical transportation route.
- B. The Mekong River is essential to the lives of millions of Cambodians.
- C. The river provides a rich source of fish.
Answer: B. This is the main point. Sentences A and C are supporting details that explain *why* the river is essential.
2. Which of these is a SUPPORTING DETAIL mentioned in the text?
- A. The river is a popular place for swimming.
- B. The land along the river is good for growing rice.
- C. Many tourists take boat trips on the river.
Answer: B. This detail supports the main idea by explaining how the river helps with agriculture. A and C are not mentioned in this text.
Vocabulary Glossary
-
Main Idea (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: គំនិតចម្បង
The most important, central message of a paragraph. All other sentences should explain this idea. ↩ back to text -
Supporting Detail (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ពត៌មានលំអិតគាំទ្រ
A fact, example, or reason that explains or proves the main idea. ↩ back to text -
Factual Text (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: អត្ថបទបែបពិត
Writing that gives true information, facts, and explanations, not opinions or stories. ↩ back to text -
Symbolic (adjective)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ដែលជានិមិត្តសញ្ញា
Representing a larger idea. For example, a dove is symbolic of peace. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Analyze a Paragraph!
Find a short factual paragraph in English. You can use a simple news website (like VOA Learning English), a science website for learners, or a textbook.
- Copy the paragraph into your notebook.
- Underline the sentence that you believe is the main idea.
- Circle at least two supporting details that explain or prove the main idea.